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Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections An Interview with Ms. Lamberti By Augustine Magapan Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Augustine Magapan Augustine: Hi Ms. Lamberti! I hope everything is going well. How are you today? Ms. Lamberti: I’m doing well. How are you? Augustine: I am doing alright… a little bit sick. So, I know that we have met each other before especially that we are in the same club along with Ms. Hixson, whom I wish to interview for the next issue. I will be asking you a series of questions for our lovely newspaper team at North Star. Ms. Lamberti: I would be delighted to answer those questions. Augustine: Firstly, what subjects do you teach? And which courses? Ms. Lamberti: Mainly I teach Living Environment and an early version of it called LE1 or “Foundation of Science”. I also teach electives such as Human Anatomy, and I will be teaching Forensics in the Spring. Augustine: Which subject do you enjoy teaching the most out of all of those? Ms. Lamberti: I may be biased, but Living Environment, since that was my first love. Augustine: What was/is so special about the subject? Ms. Lamberti: I just felt that science always spoke to me at school. I liked Chemistry, and all the other sciences, but Biology and Living Environment I’ve always found interesting. I was always more interested to learn more about it, so I pursued it in college and here I am now! Augustine: What grades do you teach for Living Environment? Ms. Lamberti: Living Environment is mainly 9th grade students and some 10th graders as well. Augustine: What about Human Anatomy? Ms. Lamberti: That class is mainly sophomores to seniors. So, they are a bit older than the kids that I have in Living Environment. There are a lot more of them than my Living Environment class, but I was not as knowledgeable on the subject than I am with Living Environment, but it is still fun to teach. Augustine: And so, when did you move into the district? Ms. Lamberti: This is my first year here, brand new here! Augustine: So why did you choose North and what made you want to teach here? Ms. Lamberti: Well, going through the job searching process is hard. I got offered here and so did a lot of research before coming here, and I thought the school had a really nice mission statement behind it. It seemed like there was a lot of success here when I spoke to other people from the department. They all seemed nice and helpful, making it a good working environment and also a good learning environment for the students as well. So, I wanted to do my best and join and contribute to that environment. Augustine: That’s so awesome! What was the most interesting part of North that stood out to you? Ms. Lamberti: That is a really good question. When I first came here for an interview, I noticed how structured and organized everything was. You guys organized everything around. I saw all the different posters and stuff at the beginning of the year. So, I said to myself that this school loves to promote diversity and all the different activities for the kids, which made me realize how student-centered it is aside from academics. Because yes, school can be rough, and all these sports and clubs can help kids alter their mindset and take a break from academics to those activities to help them get through the day and get busy. Augustine: A very good answer. Why did you choose to teach science? Ms. Lamberti: Like I said from before, I always had this interest in science at high school and college. At first, I did not know I wanted to be a teacher. I was thinking more of a lab researcher at first, then realizing in my later years of college that maybe lab work was not the best for me because there is a lot of time and effort. Obviously teaching is too, but realizing that it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, and I kept being told by a bunch of peers growing up that I was really good tutoring them in science when I was in high school and college. They said I was really good at helping people, that I had a caring attitude, and encouraged me to become a teacher. It was something that I really didn’t consider at first, but when I put more thought into it, I realized that this was something that I see I could be doing and so I started pursuing it in my master’s program and realized during my observations from teaching that I loved doing it. So, I was able to do something that I was loving to do in a subject that I loved, so it came naturally to me at that point. Augustine: That’s pretty cool. A follow up question: Do you plan on teaching on anything else in the Science section besides Living Environment? Ms. Lamberti: I may go back and pursue another- right now I am only licensed to teach Living Environment, but possibly I might go back for Chemistry. I also like Chemistry, but I like Living Environment more; however, if I were to teach another science, preferably Chemistry… or Earth Science. Augustine: And so, how do you like North so far? Ms. Lamberti: I love it! I really do, I’ve had very good experiences here so far. Augustine: What were some good experiences that you had? Ms. Lamberti: My department here, everyone is very friendly. We all seem to get along well. The students are great, kind, and respectful, but sometimes you guys don’t finish your work. Overall, you guys are wonderful students in this great environment, and I do value the student’s education and their overall success. Augustine: I agree. Sometimes, even I struggle to hand in some assignments. We all appreciate it! What is your favorite thing so far about North…any specific CLUB or Living Environment classes? Ms. Lamberti: You knew what I was thinking. Not just because it is you interviewing me, but my experience directing the Drama Club was my favorite thing so far. It was new. It was scary because that was something neither Ms. Hixson nor I did before. We were part of shows, but we never directed one, so it was brand new to us we did not know what we were doing. We took one experience we did have, hoped to push it forward working with you guys to make sure that we met whatever you guys wanted us to do and that we were meeting what you wanted to do. And we made it happen and put on a great show. It was very fulfilling and a very fun time. Augustine: We appreciate all the things you guys have done for us so far! A few more questions, some fun ones for some Ms. Lamberti Trivia. What is your favorite food and why? Ms. Lamberti: My favorite food…I always bop back and forth between my favorite food. I am definitely not a healthy eater, so I don’t like healthy food. But my favorite food in general either has to be pizza because I love pizza so much, or I guess it is more than a dessert than a food but ice cream. Augustine: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Ms. Lamberti: Cookies n' cream HANDS DOWN! Augustine; Very good choice in flavor of ice cream. Also, what is a hobby that you enjoy doing? Ms. Lamberti: Two main hobbies, when I am not busy with work and absent from the science stuff, I do are either playing video games or also, as you know, I did theater in the past and I keep up with it and so I continue to perform theater. Augustine: Interesting hobbies! I love playing video games myself. What is your favorite video game? Ms. Lamberti: I guess maybe because it was a nostalgia place holder from way back in the day, my brother used to play this game called Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney on the Gameboy: a Nintendo console, specifically an old Capcom. Augustine: Oh! The lawyer game! Ms. Lamberti: It has a big place holder in my heart. They just released a remastered version and even has its own animated show. It reminded me of all the good times I had with my brother! Augustine: Ace Attorney is one of my favorite games as well. Regarding theater though, what was your favorite production that you were part of or watched that was impactful to you. Ms. Lamberti: Favorite one I was a part of was not in high school but in college, in an outside theater company. It was called Les Miserables, which has been on Broadway for a very long time. It takes place in France, during the 1700s, where there was this guy who has been thrown into prison for stealing. The prison guard watching him was being released, which allowed the prisoner to escape. The prisoner would then start to make a better life for himself such as adopting a daughter; however, the prison guard is still chasing after the prisoner. It is a very sad play, obviously since Les Miserables translated is the Miserables, but it is a very good play overall. Augustine: Oh dear! I may have to check that out later! Well, that is a wrap for interview. Thank you, Ms. Lamberti, for this moment, it was very fun interviewing you, and I hope we are able to see each other again very soon! Ms. Lamberti: It was pleasure being here Augie, see you soon! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Social Media Hate Comments By Elaine Ching November 19, 2021 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Choice and Voting Jasmine Roberts Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Harvard Law School When one thinks of voting, we usually settle on the idea of large showings of national support for a specific candidate especially with the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election occurring this year. However, with most of us being barely old enough to step into a ballot box, I would like to support the idea of voting and voice an opinion in general: to be important no matter your age. I believe that one of the most universal feelings every teenager feels no matter their age or grade, is the hinderance to their autonomy. In such a chaotic world of growing up, parents, and school, it can feel as if the world is pulling you from one side to another without your word or consent on the matter. In truth, this isn’t your fault. Even though we are the ones maturing in a world that seems to reject large groups of us, we don’t have to suffer in silence. In this technologically advanced world, it is both immature and folly to believe that minors do not have a grasp on mature ideas. Ironically, some adults barely even have a grasp on these ideas themselves. We cannot blindly follow the leader. We minors deserve our own voices. People who desire to oppress the voices of youth are the same that train a future of compliance and the status quo, even when that norm might be despicable and detestable. We need bold, intelligent kids who desire change for the better, and we need courageous, articulate adults who will not comply with the evils of the rich and powerful. Even in the classroom and in homes, there needs to be a precedent of allowing minors to have opinions and convey their feelings, respectfully of course, because we are humans too! One silent voice is always one step away from democracy. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Valley Stream North Breakfast Club’s Performance in Queens Elaine Ching and Manal Layachi Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Elaine Ching Valley Stream North Breakfast Club’s Performance in Queens            On Friday, December 8th, 2023, members of North’s Breakfast Club, a select string ensemble that rehearses on Tuesday and Friday mornings under the instruction of Mrs. Hayden, along with other North High School musicians, took a field trip to P.S. 811Q. This is an annual field trip that the students participate in as they try to bring holiday cheer to P.S. 811Q through festive attire, music, and activities.             The Breakfast Club started with a performance involving various holiday and winter songs. With pieces ranging from Christmas Carols to Hanukkah medleys, the ensemble brought joy to the students as they played. Students had fun as they sang and clapped along to familiar tunes. However, students mainly engaged with the Breakfast Club on their last song,  Jingle Bells  as teachers and students sang the Yuletide tune and North percussionists played jingle bells. Meanwhile, Breakfast Club members played the tune on their instruments and walked around the auditorium. Performing  Jingle Bells  is a beloved tradition by both Breakfast Club members and P.S. 811Q.  -Concert Order- Feliz Navidad Happy Hanukkah Light the Candles We Wish You a Merry Christmas Gloria Deck the Hall Hanukkah Holiday Modern Christmas Classics Jingle Bells                After the Breakfast Club’s performance, the musicians split into pairs to share their instruments with P.S. 811Q students. With violins, violas, cellos, and basses galore students had a pleasure getting to experience playing the string instruments. Some 811Q students even brought in their own instruments; one student brought in his recorder. The sheer amount of joy that the students got from playing the instruments was evident as this was one of the few times they interacted with music at their school. North students were grateful to work with 811Q students, as Arshdeep Singh says, “It really felt like a blessing to work with kids that are not fortunate enough to experience this on a day-to-day basis.”            North students displayed great amounts of respect, integrity, and kindness as they led musical workshops in the gymnasium. North students’ love of music was palpable as one could easily see how much passion they had whether it was teaching about rhythm, boom whackers, or the instrumental anatomy of a violin. Just take it from Breakfast Club bassist Sophia Reese who states, “I’m so incredibly lucky to teach and share my love for music with those who are unable to experience music on the daily like we are. Going to P.S. 811Q with Breakfast Club has been one of the highlights of this year and last.” Additionally, Manal Layachi, Breakfast Club violinist, says “I led the music note station where the kids had to write how music makes them feel on a paper-colored music note. It felt awesome helping the kids express their feelings about music. I helped a boy with his music note and he gave me a hug. It was so heartwarming, and I felt amazing after. Making a difference for these children makes me happy and special. It feels good to make a difference and make connections and new memories with these kids.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Christmas By Christiana Fredriks Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original image by Christiana Fredriks Christmas is the one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. It’s celebrated in December, the month of joy and magic. Christmas is a lot more than giving and receiving; it represents the joy of living and rebirth. It is the season of change, love and magic. For some, Christmas is a religious day, and for others, it’s a celebration. Christmas time is when you see families and friends spending the holidays together, gifting, sharing food, and making memories. So many families have Christmas traditions, something that binds them to their heritage, something of identity and belonging. Christmas has a meaning in the spirit of the season. Some people open one present on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas. Some only open presents on Christmas Day, December 25th. Some people describe Christmas Eve as a “review” (like the real test is on Christmas Day, but on Christmas Eve, we review to get ready). Christmas means different things to different people. And Christmas to me is the joy of the season. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the tree. A Christmas tree is one of the symbols of Christmas. Decorating the tree with tinsel and ornaments, hanging mistletoe, decorating the front and inside of the house with garland and lights, are all fun to do with family and friends. Leaving milk and cookies on the table for Santa, with carolers knocking on your door and singing, add to the joy while eating Christmas treats. Christmas isn’t the only holiday people celebrate this time of year, there is also Hannukah – which starts before Christmas this year – and there is also Kwanzaa. This holiday starts the day after Christmas and ends on the New Year. Enjoy the holiday season! “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” -Saint Nicolas BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Social Media By Christiana Fredriks Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Original artwork by Christiana Fredriks It’s no secret that the media can be a good and bad place, and since we all have it in everyday life - from our phones to laptops and other tech devices - everyone has a different opinion on it. Influencers, celebrities, and the public all have a platform on social media. Some people use their platform to spread negativity to others, while some use it to spread positivity and promote change. Here Is what a few people had to say about this: In your opinion is the internet worth the world attention? “Yes, search engines like Google give us the ability to know anything just by the click of a button. The internet gives us the ability to communicate from anywhere around the world. In previous decades people had to wait for a newspaper, now we can see the news from an App.” -Isabella Menjivar What is the meaning of a “cyber bully” in your opinion? “I personally think that online bullying and bullying isn't acceptable and should no way be tolerated; however, in my individual experience I don't take it to heart. I don't view bullying through a screen is much different from bullying someone face to face. They both negatively impact the victim. The media spread like wildfire, and soon enough even a lie that the bully makes up could seem real on the internet. Social medias would gossip no matter if it's a credible source.” -Annie Diep What is your opinion on social media? “Right now, my opinion on social media isn't so great. Lately we've seen the removal of many prominent figures. from social media, like Mike Lindell and others, from social media. Big Tech and other social media groups seem to lately not be so fond of certain center-right individuals and have removed certain people spreading that type of ideology. I currently am a member of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram, and I can tell you that Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey need to do better than they are now.” -Logan T. Balsan In your opinion, is social media a good or bad influence? “Social Media can be a bad influence if you're not careful. You can easily be influenced by toxic people and never know it, especially if they have a big following.” -Nora Chery In your opinion is the internet a safe space? “Mostly yes, I think if people are careful with their internet behavior, the internet is generally safe.” -John P. McCarthy Here is the simple truth, the internet can be what you make it. Remember the saying: “you have control over one person, and one person only.” If you take that knowledge and apply it in this situation, it almost means the same thing. The internet is what you make it it can be safe for you and bad for others or safe for others and bad for you. It all depends on how you use it. And at the end of the day, you either learn something or you don’t. -Huge thank you to Nora Chery, Annie Diep, Logan T. Balsan, Isabella Menjivar, and John P. McCarthy- BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Cool Creatures: Episode 2, The Axolotl By Matteo Somma Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by BBC At first glance, the axolotl ( ak ·suh·laa·tl) may look like a scene from a nightmare, but it actually is a mystical and mysterious creature about which scientists don’t know much. Indigenous to only Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico, the axolotl inhabited the regions for the last 10,000 years. However, they are now critically endangered. Being a type of salamander, the axolotl is an amphibian, spending most of its time in the water. Recently, axolotls have been forced into the pet trade, as more are bred in captivity due to more people wanting this mysterious creature as a pet. Unfortunately, this does mean multiple accounts of severe animal neglect occur both in pet stores and at people's homes. What many don’t realize before buying these animals is how large they grow and how complex their diet is. Similar to other amphibians, axolotls are carnivores. They require a large variety of foods such as mollusks, different kinds of worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and even small fish. However, many of these dietary items can be difficult to find. Axolotls are not just “fish,” they are complex creatures that need adequate care to thrive, let alone survive. In the wild, as well as in captivity, axolotls are known to be tough and healthy. They can survive in waters as cold as 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering they are from the warm climate of Mexico, that’s pretty impressive! Axolotls are often described as forts stuck in their tadpole phase, due in large part to them having both long tails and legs. Furthermore, axolotls are much larger than normal-sized amphibians, growing up to 18 inches long. Overall, the axolotl is a super cool, mysterious, and mystical creature. Unfortunately, due to large amounts of pollution, water diversion, and an expanding human population, their habitats are slowly disappearing. However, there is hope for the future, with many captive breeding projects for the species in the works. Thanks for tuning in for Cool Creatures Episode 2! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Survey: Are Lunch Lines Too Long? Hydrangea, Staff Writer Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Learning for Justice With the start of a new school year, comes the return of the almighty lunch period, a time to relax, talk to friends, and eat something. But a more dreadful tradition comes along with lunch: getting on line for food. We could debate whether or not cafeteria food is good for hours, but potential issues can be present in the lunch line itself. I did not have a lunch period last year, and so I was overjoyed to finally get one this time around—only to have to stand in line for almost twenty minutes every day just to get a cheeseburger. I’ve thought a lot about the lunch line. Why was I spending so much time on it when actually getting my food takes only a minute? What was keeping it backed up? And why did it feel so much longer than it did in years past? And so, I bring you a survey about lunch lines. I implore any student to take part, but especially those who get their lunch from the cafeteria. Do you also believe the lunch lines feel too long? Or do they feel shorter for you? I think it’s an interesting issue to look at, so please give me your thoughts! You can take the survey here . Please keep your responses on-topic and respectful, as I will be able to see who sent what. Results will be published in the next issue of NORTH STAR. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections prejudice tastes like apple pie By Lucy Wu Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Pinterest i why are our apples not the same? i concede our exteriors may not match you arrive pristine untouched from neighboring orchards while i may still be bruised manhandled from my journey but if i wield a knife slicing through translucent veins and thin skin wouldn’t you agree we are the same? ii seventeen years ago my mother sowed her seeds passed down from her family a figment of her mother in a fertile promised land she spread her roots meticulously and eventually without fear my belonging a trellis pale petals wrapped around her backbone after sunset i built palisades shielding her fragile sapling from unforgiving wind the piercing stares so she could assimilate and flourish each year come gentle spring her tree bloomed borne from sacrifice watered with tears and we reaped her ripened fruit cherishing its sweetness yet in one day you intruded on our garden ravaging her tree drowning her roots breaking her branches in insult and scorn what’s more you claim her lovely apples my apples as your own a product of your generosity fallen from the tree that once was small and shriveled pale jade and longing there’s nothing left to promise me her daughter how dare you cut down my mother’s tree you take a bite but i hope you choke iii i walk to the market looking for apples scouring the aisles peering at the mountains it’s easy to spot the bruised with their browned skin sunken in i avoid those and you do too i handpick just a few with crisp sides taut and overflowing with their juices almost permitting myself to believe they’ll be perfect but i’m no fool i show you how i drag my blade piercing the core and examine for rotting interiors and disposing rinse and repeat you follow my lead however some elude me the most deceiving are the ones that appear perfect both inside and out they make it all the way into the oven seeping their spoiled rancid juices into my crust my foundation at the table only i notice the fragrance wafting in the air is wrong it’s faint but brimming with malice spiced with hate that’s the thing they don’t tell you about prejudice and pie the apples seem fine so naively you taste them and then they reveal their true flavors only in the critical moments in solitude after the pie whisked away you’ll realize in your throat the aftertaste souring bitterness lingers forever it’s a shock when my tongue deludes my eyes nothing similar in the slightest i should warn you it’s an acquired taste one you develop after years of picking them letting them ruin your pies it’s subtle yet their acridness so potent to me i hope maybe someday you’ll taste it too and possess the wherewithal to say something but until then i do not betray truth i cut a generous slice feigning a smile through my salty tears swallowing whispering it’s delicious BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News, Feature Back to Sections Snowball Dance Max Ching Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Christmas for the City The second-ever Snowball Dance took place at North High School on January 19th, and many students ranging from 7-9 graders arrived at this event. This dance had the theme of, “A Night in Paris,” and the cafetorium was decorated with Paris-themed decorations that made it feel like you really were in France. So, because this event was incredibly magical, I’ve decided to go over this event, such as the music, food and refreshments, decorations, along with student opinions, and what they thought about this event. One particularly important detail for dances is music, right? Well, what songs were played you ask? Well, the DJ made sure that the songs he played were good, and they sure were. Songs like “Flashing Lights,” and “Runaway” by Kanye West were played. Some other songs that played were “Shut Up and Dance,” “Macarena,” “Call Me Maybe,” and many, many more. The DJ made sure that everyone had a fun and wondrous time. Another especially important detail for a dance is food and refreshments, and the district made sure that students had plenty to eat. The Crave Shack provided many delicious foods that students enjoyed. Some of the foods served were burgers, chicken tenders, French fries, and more. Along with the Crave Shack, pizzas were also served in the latter half of the dance. There were also many snacks, like pretzels, and chips, along with many desserts like cookies and brownies near the end of the wonderful event. Foods were all served by staff members and PTA members. Since the theme for this dance was “A Night in Paris,” there were sure a lot of Paris-themed decorations at this event. There were dark-colored Paris-themed decorations on the walls, there were decorations on the stage, decorations on the tables, and there were multiple Paris-themed decorations all over the cafetorium. Another big hit for decorations was the photo booth, right near the stage, where students could take photos, along with accessories that matched the theme of this occasion. Like I previously mentioned at the beginning of this article, I promised that I would state what multiple students thought of this occasion, like what they enjoyed, and what they wanted to be improved, because what is the point of covering something, without people’s opinions? Anyway, the first opinion I have is from a student named Kyle Cooper. Kyle says “It was a crazy but fun experience. I have no complaints.” Another student named Rachael Marto says, “The music was good, the activities were fun, and it was fun, but the downside was that we had to wait a while for the food.” A third student named Anthony Disalvio says, “I wanted more food, and more details like lights.” The fourth student is someone who didn’t want their name in the article. This anonymous person states, “I think the dance was fun; it was very good but also, I think there was a bit of a crowd in my opinion. Overall, it was very fun and had a lot of music, food, and everything in general was well done so the dance in my opinion was good.” So, it appears that while those students enjoyed the dance, they wanted the food to be served a little bit sooner and that they also wanted more details, like lights and decorations, and more food. Overall, that was the Snowball Dance. That was my report on the songs, food, decorations, and student opinions. Overall, the Snowball Dance was a very, very wondrous occasion, and I hope that there are more events like this in the future. BACK TO TOP